PAYNESVILLE – In a bid to support the government’s efforts in promoting peace and combating drug abuse, the CONACCE Chaplains Liberia Chapter has graduated its first cohort of over 40 Judges of Peace and Anti-Drug Counselors. These individuals completed an intensive three-week training program designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster peace and combat substance abuse in their communities.
The colorful graduation ceremony took place over the weekend at the Philadelphia Church on Duport Road, Cow Field, in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. During the event, CONACCE urged the graduates to remain committed to the critical tasks ahead.
Delivering the overview and special remarks on behalf of the organization’s founder, Col. Major Clement Messi, First Technical Advisor and Director of Mission of CONACCE, emphasized the organization’s dedication to interfaith cooperation, dialogue, and spiritual support in diverse settings.
“Wearing these uniforms is not about prestige; it is about making a meaningful impact. You are on a mission to serve, uplift the downtrodden, and provide help whenever people are in need,” he stated.
Messi explained that CONACCE Chaplains is an international humanitarian organization founded in the United States to demonstrate God’s love in a humble and practical way. The organization, now celebrating 25 years of existence, has branches across South America, Africa, and Asia, among other regions.
“We have accreditations that facilitate our mission, allowing us to work effectively. Today, we are recognized by major global organizations, including the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations General Council. This recognition enables us to participate in United Nations conferences and other international forums,” he added.
In his opening statement, Apostle Albert E. M. Benson, Commander of the CONACCE Chaplains Global Corporation Liberia Chapter, praised the graduates for their dedication to spiritual leadership and service.
“This graduation ceremony is not just the culmination of weeks of training; it is a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith. Our chaplains have faced challenges both in their training and personal lives, yet they have remained committed to understanding the complexities of human experience and the spiritual needs of their communities,” he said.
He highlighted that the graduates had deeply engaged with the teachings of their respective faiths while fostering openness to learning from others.
“As they receive their accreditations today, they embrace the importance of faith, compassion, and service. They are now equipped not only with knowledge but also with the skills to provide comfort, guidance, and hope to those in need. The world yearns for compassion and understanding, and I have no doubt that they will make a meaningful impact,” he added.
Apostle Benson also challenged the graduates to remember their responsibility as chaplains, stating, “Your role is not just to serve but to advocate for justice, uplift the downtrodden, and be a beacon of hope in times of despair. The world needs your wisdom and empathy. May you carry the light of your training into every corner of the world, fostering peace, healing, and reconciliation.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Mary Meantonah emphasized the significance of their mission.
“We gather today not just to celebrate the completion of our training but to embark on a lifelong journey of faith, service, and sacrifice. As chaplains, we stand at the intersection of spirituality, service, and duty. We are called to serve those in need, to provide solace in times of distress, and to be pillars of support in our communities,” she said.
She urged her fellow graduates to uphold the values of honor and respect in their service, saying, “Your presence will be a reminder of the compassion we uphold. You will encounter individuals filled with fear and despair, but your mission is to provide comfort, hope, and reassurance that they are never alone. You are not just chaplains; you are leaders of faith, advocates of peace, and champions of the human spirit.”
Meantonah also paid tribute to African leaders who have demonstrated values of service and sacrifice, calling on chaplains to honor the legacy of Dr. Carlos Amparo, the founder of CONACCE, who has dedicated his life to establishing and expanding the organization.
“I urge all chaplains to strive daily to be sources of inspiration and counselors to those in need. As we move forward, let us carry with us the knowledge and skills we have gained. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact,” she said.
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